Lord of Caldera

Chapter 134

"Truly? That's hard to believe," the Duke replied, casting a doubtful glance at Sylas, who simply smiled in response.

"Trust me; that's how trade works."

While Arathion was nearly flawless in most areas, he knew little about trade, nor the benefits it could bring. Given their long-standing isolation, this was only natural. Once he saw the flow of resources from trade, even the Duke wouldn't want to sever the alliance.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship of mutual dependence. Unaware of Sylas's entire plan, the Duke sighed.

"Trade... It's a field I'm unfamiliar with. I'd like to get more advice from you, if possible."

"Apologies, but I have pressing matters that require my attention."

"For you to leave after setting up such a lucrative arrangement—it must be something critical."

Sylas nodded. He had prevented the destruction of the five families, but there was still one important task remaining.

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"I'm heading north."

To prevent the rise of the Barbarian King.

Two days after the death of Count Valdemar, Rey summoned the noble heirs who had pledged loyalty as vassals.

"I have urgent business that will take me away from the family, so I will appoint a regent in my place," she announced.

"What?" one of them responded, clearly taken aback.

"Leon will act as lord in my stead."

"...!"

It was a bombshell. Just when things had finally calmed down after all the upheaval, Rey was planning to leave? And to top it off, her chosen regent was Leon, who had previously held equal rank with them. Their expressions soured, but no one voiced any objections.

"Damn it, I'd like to stop her if I could..."

"Chances are this was decided in advance."

They recalled how Leon had unexpectedly supported the Count during the duel, which was likely prearranged with Sylas. So, naming Leon as regent now was likely his reward for that role.

"Since this is already decided, there's no point in opposing it and risking any further ill will."

Max's eyes widened in surprise. After all the trouble of bringing him from House Corleone to here, why now?

"First, I want you to monitor the situation here."

"Monitor?"

"Leon's competent, and the other heirs aren't fools, but just in case, I want a backup."

In other words, Max was to be a silent observer, ready to report if anything went amiss. His mere presence would serve as an unspoken deterrent, making the others think twice before doing anything rash.

"It's like insurance."

"If that's the first reason, then there must be a second?"

"Right. The second reason concerns our destination."

The second reason was, in fact, the more pressing one.

"We're headed to the North."

"The North? Why?"

"Max, how long do you think you could hold out against me in a fight?"

Max recalled his first encounter with Sylas, where he'd initially mistaken him for an assassin. But even then, Sylas had held back. If Sylas truly intended to kill him, Max knew he wouldn't last long. After calculating quickly, he answered.

"Maybe three moves at best."

"Exactly."

"But, for most tasks, I don't need much strength."

"No, you will this time."

If it were a simple journey to the North, Max's level of skill would suffice. Northern society revered strength, but even the servants didn't need to be exceptionally powerful. However, they were not headed for just any part of the North.

"We're going to Jarlngrim."

"...!"

The name of the barbarian holy ground shocked Max.